Computer Science

Course Overview

Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It’s an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, that can look at the natural world through a digital prism. Computer Science A level will teach computational thinking, helping students to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of Grade 6 in Computer Science. If you have not studied Computer Science a Grade 6 in Maths is required. This course combines high-level academic knowledge with practical skills so students will need a strong interest in applying their knowledge to everyday life. Maths is embedded in much of the course

Future Prospects

Students will have the opportunity to apply the principles of computational thinking to a practical coding programming project. They will analyse, design, test, evaluate and document a program written in a suitable programming language. The project is designed to be independently chosen by the student and provides them with the flexibility to investigate projects within the diverse field of computer science. They will also be encouraged to extend their knowledge through podcasts and extra curricular opportunities. Computer Science is an excellent preparation for students who want to go on to study Computer science at a higher level and will also provide a good grounding for other subject areas that require computational thinking and analytical skills.

A Level Topics and Assessment

OCR Exam

Computer Systems

Algorithms and programming

Programming project

Assessment

Traditional written Exam

2 hours and 30 minutes

Traditional written exam, also including an scenario and problem-solving section

2 hours and 30 minutes

Non-Exam Assessment based on a computing problem chosen by the student